Plant of the Month for November 2016

Saxifraga cebennensis

Description and General Information:

This saxifrage belongs to the "mossy" group.  It forms a tight rounded bun with cleft, somewhat sticky, evergreen foliage.  Masses of white flowers arise several on 5 cm stems. The flowers are quite large, reaching nearly a centimetre in diameter. In the wild, it is highly endemic and restricted to limestone in the Cevennes mountains of southern France.

Cultivation:

This saxifrage prefers full sun but in warmer regions, should be shaded from the hot afternoon sun.  It requires a well-drained site, preferably with the addition of lime.  It is not drought-tolerant.  It is an ideal subject for an alpine house.  Outdoors, growing on tufa seems to be the best way to cultivate this species.  It also does well in alpine troughs.

Blooming Season:

May to June depending on the location.

Propagation:

By seeds.

Seeds:

Germination is best if fresh seed are used.  Surface sow, as the seeds are dust-like. They need a stratification period of 3 months.

Division:

Not generally practiced.

Cuttings:

Not generally practiced.

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